“Mom, Jesus,” Gray whined, “make him stop. I called to tell you before you heard it from someone else. Don’t treat me like a child, Dad. I mean it.”
“That boy made you cry not two weeks ago, and you somehow believe I’m going to think he’s the love of your life? Not likely.” There was grumbling and cabinet slamming, which was impressive, considering her parents’ kitchen had soft-close hinges. After a few more drawer slams, he asked her mom, “Is she serious?”
“Very,” Gray replied before her mom could intervene. “Ciar is it for me. He bought us a place to live. As soon as it’s renovated, I’m moving in with him.
“I want my parents’ blessing. Won’t you be happy for me?”
“I’m very happy for you, sweetheart. Very happy. Never think I’m not. It is a lot to take in. You must see that,” her mom spoke carefully. “It’s sudden for me, and I’ve known since you were eighteen that you were in love with Ciar. Your dad, however, is only learning about it. Don’t get angry, Gray, have patience instead, and trust that we only want what’s best for you.”
She sighed, knowing her mom was right. She shouldn’t have expected a parade of hearts and roses immediately. Since her dad had already stormed off, she told her mom she would be patient and ended the call.
Now, here she was begging Blair with her sad eyes to tell her something that would make her feel better. No one was better at reading a situation or people than Blair.
“I told Mom and Dad this morning.” At Blair’s wide eyes, Gray threw her hands up in an “I know” gesture. “Did I tell you that Ciar bought us a house?” Gray moaned as the admission slipped from her lips.
Gray didn’t dare look at Blair for a moment, afraid to see shock and censure at how fast she was allowing Ciar to move, but once her mini panic attack was over, she opened her eyes to find Blair patiently waiting to sign.
“Get a grip on yourself, Gray. I imagine your dad was a trial. Whatever. So, you love Ciar. Great. A relationship needs love to be real. As for Ciar, he’s a virgin to feelings, or at least talking about them.
“Give him grace. I believe men need grace at least once a day.” That made Gray smile. “I think he loves you too. You don’t see how he looks at you, but I have.” Blair squeezed Gray’s hand briefly. “Grace and time. That’s my advice.”
“You two look serious,” Bébhinn said as she and Mags joined them.
Everyone sat on barstools putting them closer in height to Gray in her heels. “Ciar already do something to piss you off? You know, men can’t help their asinine tendencies,” Mags chirped.
Blair told the newcomers, “Gray told Josephine and Thomas about Ciar.”
Mags and Bébhinn looked as shocked as Blair had.
“And?” Mags asked slowly, not sure which direction the announcement had taken.
Before she could answer, strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and Ciar's spicy scent filled her nose. He placed a lingering kiss at the crook of her neck.
“And MacGregor, and probably Blair’s father, will take their pound of flesh from me. I’m to report to Scotland immediately.”
Gray was glad Ciar didn’t seem particularly worried about her father’s temper. She, however, was shitting bricks.
“Do you know how weird it is to see you and Ciar kissing,” Bébhinn said wistfully. “Beautiful but weird.”
“Try watching you and Dagr, Bébé,” she mock shuddered. “Now that is weird.”
“Sorry, Bébhinn, but I have to agree with Mags. The first time I saw you two sitting together at that bar, I liked to shit when I finally realized it wasn’t one of your brothers.”
“You lot are a pack of jackasses,” Bébhinn declared before spinning on her heel and walking into Dagr’s arms. “Let’s blow this joint, Mr. Griffiths.”
Dagr’s face pinkened and he swallowed nervously. Either love had blinded Bébhinn to Dagr’s distress, or she was one hell of an actress.
Gray wondered if love truly made one blind. That was a scary thought.
Bébhinn was officially an engaged woman. Shots were flowing, and the newly engaged couple hadn’t stopped staring into each other’s eyes all evening.
At Bébhinn’s request, Gray had taken their picture, the ginormous diamond on her ring finger sparkling like a thousand suns, and sent it to her mother.
It was four in the morning in Ireland, but Gray’s phone started ringing. Bébhinn had left hers on the bar, so naturally, Gray knew why her phone was lighting up. Rowan insisted on speaking to her daughter.
Gray watched her friend laugh and cry on the phone with her mother and felt her eyes grow misty with happiness.
“You’ve been quiet tonight, Gray,” Ciar whispered against her ear before spinning her in his arms and hugging her tightly to his body.
